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Global Challenges

Functional groups and homologous series

  • 2 things to know
  • Paper 4

Overview

What a homologous series and a functional group are, the general formulae of the alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids, the C=C and –OH groups, identifying a series from a molecular formula, the first four members of each series, the formulae of propane, but-1-ene and ethanoic acid, and how the atoms in ethene are joined.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is a functional group?

Key term

Which functional group must a molecule contain to be classed as an alkene, and which to be classed as an alcohol?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is meant by a homologous series?

    Model answer

    A family of organic compounds that share the same functional group and general formula, in which each member differs from the next by CH₂.

  2. 2

    What is a functional group?

    Model answer

    The atom or group of atoms in a molecule that gives that molecule its characteristic chemical reactions.

  3. 3

    What is the general formula of the alkanes?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.

  4. 4

    What is the general formula of the alkenes that contain one double bond?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ.

  5. 5

    What is the general formula of the alcohols?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH.

  6. 6

    What is the general formula of the carboxylic acids?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ₊₁COOH.

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Chemical Reactions
Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Global Challenges
Monitoring and Controlling Chemical Reactions

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